Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has called for the immediate dismissal and arrest of Canacona Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Rajshekar Reddy after he allegedly assaulted party leader Sandesh Talekar at the Canacona police station on Sunday. Following the incident, Talekar was taken to the South Goa District Hospital after complaining of pain caused by the assault.
AAP MLA Venzy Viegas and party workers gathered at the hospital to condemn the attack on Talekar and demanded swift action. “We demand that PSI Rajshekar Reddy be dismissed and arrested for assaulting Sandesh Talekar. It’s shocking that a PSI on probation had the audacity to attack a political leader without any reason. We won’t let this go unnoticed. Talekar could have defended himself, but he chose not to,” Viegas stated.
Viegas also mentioned that he had spoken to the Superintendent of Police for South Goa, Tikam Singh, urging immediate dismissal and arrest of the PSI. He called on the authorities to seize the CCTV footage from the police station, fearing the PSI might alter it.
“This behavior has become a pattern. Recently, the police were accused of assaulting journalists, and now they have targeted a political leader. This must stop,” Viegas added.
Talekar shared his account of the incident, stating that he had gone to the Canacona police station to inquire about the detention of three individuals. He claimed that PSI Reddy told him the detentions were for touting and, when Talekar pointed out that touting usually happens at the beach, the PSI reacted by questioning him and asking him to leave. Talekar alleged that when he asked the PSI if the station belonged to him, he was slapped, detained, and had his mobile phone confiscated.
Talekar further revealed that when others intervened, the PSI seemed apologetic and claimed the slap was an impulsive reaction. Talekar initially went home but later felt dizzy and sought medical attention at the Canacona Community Health Centre, before being transferred to the South Goa District Hospital.
The AAP has insisted that immediate action be taken against PSI Rajshekar Reddy and that justice be served for the alleged assault.
